There is no better excuse for rounding up the boys and dressing to the nines than derby day! From extravagant hats to pastel suits, get ready for a day full of tasty libations, mouth-watering food, and a few heedless bets. Here is the #adessoman guide for how to properly drink on derby day featuring three of our favourite cocktails.
1. THE BOURBON THYME JULEP
Easy? Absolutely. Delicious? Absolutely. This recipe is a twist on the classic julep that swaps mint for thyme for a herbal flavour!
1 tbsp of simple syrup
1 dash Angostura bitters
6 fresh thyme sprigs (one for garnish)
WHAT YOU NEED:
1 bottle of Woodford Reserve
2 liters of freshly brewed tea
1/2 cup of sugar
15 lemons
15 sprigs of mint
1 large punch bowl
HOW TO MAKE IT:
First, peel the lemons (avoiding as much of the pit as possible). Place the peels into the punch bowl with the sugar and then juice the lemons. Pick the leaves of 10 sprigs of mint and place into the punch bowl with the lemon peel. Add brewed tea into the punch bowl with lemon peel, sugar, mint and lemon juice and mix well. Allow mixture to cool then add ice and bourbon. Serve garnished with mint.
3. THE LOW COUNTRY MAI-TAI
Packed with traditional southern booze and flavours, this recipe is a derby day take on a traditional tiki drink!
WHAT YOU NEED:
1 oz. Virgil Kane Rye1/2 oz. Cruzan Black Strap
1/4 oz. C&K Citrus Absinthe
1/4 oz. Cointreau
1/2 oz. Maple Pecan Orgeat
1/2 oz. lemon juice
2 dashes of Angostura
Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker and whip together for 60 seconds. Serve in a tin cup over pebble ice and garnish with lime husk and mint crown!